Did these players live up to their rating?

[CoverTwo]

Taking it way back on you guys .. Obviously there are quite a few players in the older classes that either didn't make it into school or left before they saw the field and it is too soon to make a determination on the recent classes but lets hear your thoughts. This is using Rivals ratings for every 4 and 5 star since 2002.

I tell you the first thing I notice is there is about a 50/50, maybe 60/40 split on guys that did and didn't pan out.

Not trying to make a point or anything, just offering a discussion topic on a slow Friday afternoon.

2002:

Ricardo Hurley - 5 star
Randy Jackson - 5 star
Darel Slay - 5 star
Aryhel Freeman -4 star
Kenny Irons - 4 star
Jabari Levy - 4 star
Corey Peoples - 4 star
Moe Thompson - 4 star
Troy Williamson - 4 star

2003:

Demetris Summers - 5 star
Marcus Lawrence - 4 star
Blake Mitchell - 4 star
Syvelle Newton - 4 star

2004:

Marque Hall - 4 star
C.J. Barber - 4 star
Dorian Capers - 4 star

2005:

Jonathan Hannah - 4 star
O.J. Murdock - 4 star
Carlos Thomas - 4 star

2006:

Garrett Anderson - 4 star
Kenrick Ellis - 4 star
Hutch Eckerson - 4 star
Chris Smelley - 4 star
Kevin Young - 4 star

2007:

Chris Culliver - 5 star
Cliff Matthews - 4 star
Mark Barnes - 4 star
Stephen Garcia - 4 star
Dion Lecorn - 4 star
Quintin Richardson - 4 star
Travian Robertson - 4 star
Ladi Ajiboye - 4 star
Jason Barnes - 4 star
Clifton Geathers - 4 star
Joseph Hills - 4 star
Melvin Ingram - 4 star
Brian Maddox - 4 star
Weslye Saunders - 4 star

2008:

Eric Baker - 4 star
CC Whitlock - 4 star
Antonio Allen -4 star
Jarriel King - 4 star
Akeem Auguste - 4 star

2009:

Stephon Gilmore - 4 star
Damario Jeffrey - 4 star
Jarvis Giles - 4 star
Alshon Jeffery - 4 star
Leon Mackey - 4 star
Tony Straughter - 4 star
Chaz Sutton - 4 star
Ben Axon - 4 star
Ronald Byrd - 4 star
Duane Chisolm - 4 star
Matt Coffee - 4 star
Josh Dickerson - 4 star
Devonte Holloman - 4 star
Lamar Scruggs - 4 star

2010:

Marcus Lattimore - 5 star
Victor Hampton - 4 star
A.J. Cann - 4 star
Qua Gilchrist - 4 star
Ace Sanders -4 star

2011:

Jadeveon Clowney - 5 star
Kelcy Quarles - 4 star
Brandon Shell - 4 star
Damiere Byrd - 4 star
Philip Dukes - 4 star
Sheldon Royster - 4 star
Brison Williams - 4 star

2012:

Mike Davis - 4 star
Shaq Roland - 4 star
Jerell Adams - 4 star
Jordan Diggs - 4 star
Chaz Elder - 4 star
Jody Fuller - 4 star
Joe Harris -4 star
Brock Stadnik - 4 star

[boonyg]

C2, it is an interesting list you've compiled here. At first glance the thing that stands out is that it seems that more of our higher rated recruits in the last few years have panned out more so than the highly rated guys we brought in in the early 2000's. Possibly b/c the overall talent level is better on our team and that allows stars to shine more since opponents can't singularly focus on stopping a few players. Also interesting is that 2 of our top players ever are not on the list (which i understand b/c they weren't standout recruits). Sidney Rice was only a 2 star I believe and Eric Norwood was 3 star.

[LegalCock]

I think that is part of it. More better players also keeps their noses clean, we're not getting kids solely based on playing time who want to be a big star in a smaller program. Even if a kid wants to go party once he gets here there are three other badasses who will take his job right quick if all he wants to do is booze it up and chase poon. We're also getting better higher rated kids with less "hair" if you will. There's the four star kid who is a borderline non-qualifier with off the field issues who used to come down like us MSU and Arkansas and there's the four star kid that is a guaranteed admit with offers from Bama and Florida. We're getting alot more of the latter now. The rating services don't factor that into their analysis.

I'm actually surprised that most of them did live up to being a starter. Especially if you back out the jucos and the guys who flamed out for off the field and academic stuff.

[MillerTime843]

Sidney Rice was a 3* Star

[MillerTime843]

And stars have more to do with coaching. I tell you though, Ben Axon, Giles, and Hill's were guys that pissed me off bad!

[boonyg]

yes you are correct. my bad.

[boonyg]

does anyone know the story with Philip Dukes?

[Emery]

The way the Kenny Irons saga played out bothered me a lot.

[talon]

we are being more selective now

[talon]

playing a little

[LegalCock]

I'll go player by player just to keep the topic going:

2002:

Ricardo Hurley - 5 star - No but did become a contributor, injuries?
Randy Jackson - 5 star - Juco bust of epic proportions
Darel Slay - 5 star - Juco Bust, but think he contributed
Aryhel Freeman -4 star - Bust
Kenny Irons - 4 star - Legit
Jabari Levy - 4 star - Legit
Corey Peoples - 4 star - Can't remember, think he played some
Moe Thompson - 4 star - Legit evaluation on the field - character issues
Troy Williamson - 4 star - Legit

2003:

Demetris Summers - 5 star - Legit - Character issues
Marcus Lawrence - 4 star - Nevah heard of him
Blake Mitchell - 4 star - Legit
Syvelle Newton - 4 star - Legit

2004:

Marque Hall - 4 star - Legit
C.J. Barber - 4 star - Drawing a blank
Dorian Capers - 4 star - didn't he get arrested for a felony before enrolling?

2005:

Jonathan Hannah - 4 star Bust
O.J. Murdock - 4 star - Epic bust at Carolina but wasn't he in the NFL?
Carlos Thomas - 4 star - Legit

2006:

Garrett Anderson - 4 star - Legit
Kenrick Ellis - 4 star - Legit; just not at carolina
Hutch Eckerson - 4 star - Legit
Chris Smelley - 4 star - Legit; totally flamed out off the field/psychologically
Kevin Young - 4 star - bust?

2007:

Chris Culliver - 5 star - Legit
Cliff Matthews - 4 star - Legit
Mark Barnes - 4 star -Bust
Stephen Garcia - 4 star - Legit
Dion Lecorn - 4 star - Legit; ruined by injuries
Quintin Richardson - 4 star - Bust off the field; who knows if he could play
Travian Robertson - 4 star - Legit
Ladi Ajiboye - 4 star - Super-legit
Jason Barnes - 4 star - Quasi-bust - played some never really improved
Clifton Geathers - 4 star - Legit
Joseph Hills - 4 star - Bust/Transfer - probably could have played spur or safety
Melvin Ingram - 4 star - Beast mode MI6 in effect
Brian Maddox - 4 star - Legit rating, slightly overhyped by ESPN docudrama, should get additional star for kicking Auburn guy in face.
Weslye Saunders - 4 star - Legit on the field.

2008:

Eric Baker - 4 star - Legit; injuries derailed career, most offers based on conversion to safety, we couldn't sell it/injuries killed it.
CC Whitlock - 4 star - Legit
Antonio Allen -4 star - Legit
Jarriel King - 4 star - Legit
Akeem Auguste - 4 star - Legit

2009:

Stephon Gilmore - 4 star - Super Legit
Damario Jeffrey - 4 star - Legit but has slightly underperformed; however had bad injury after developed rating; could probably play DE
Jarvis Giles - 4 star - Bustola
Alshon Jeffery - 4 star - Legit; wow good class
Leon Mackey - 4 star - Who?
Tony Straughter - 4 star - Panned out nice for a juco, came on when we really needed him
Chaz Sutton - 4 star - Legit
Ben Axon - 4 star - Weed is bad
Ronald Byrd - 4 star - ?
Duane Chisolm - 4 star - Bust
Matt Coffee - 4 star - Overrated
Josh Dickerson - 4 star - Legit same deal as straughter, juco LBS that can come in and start/contribute on top tier SEC squad after a year are about as good as there are
Devonte Holloman - 4 star - Legit; not having a great season at spur
Lamar Scruggs - 4 star - Bust

2010:

Marcus Lattimore - 5 star - Legit
Victor Hampton - 4 star - Legit
A.J. Cann - 4 star - Legit
Qua Gilchrist - 4 star - I don't see 4 stars but no bust
Ace Sanders -4 star - Legit

2011:

Jadeveon Clowney - 5 star - Bust; just kidding
Kelcy Quarles - 4 star - Legit
Brandon Shell - 4 star - Legit
Damiere Byrd - 4 star - Legit
Philip Dukes - 4 star - To be determined
Sheldon Royster - 4 star - Bust/health problems should have been more heavily discounted in rating; bad rivals bad
Brison Williams - 4 star - Legit but I wish he were better

[LegalCock]

Originally Posted by boonyg

does anyone know the story with Philip Dukes?

Here's what I know for sure about Dukes, when asked about the depth when Kelcy and Jerideau were hurt Brad Lawing said it would be surrat, dixon and then dukes in the middle. So from that I infer he is behind dixon jr and surratt right now, which is ok given his eligibility level. DTs that can play in this league before they are RS-soph/juniors are just abnormal. Dixon Jr. is a huge upside surprise.

[Evilchicken2]

2002:

Ricardo Hurley - 5 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Randy Jackson - 5 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)

Darel Slay - 5 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Aryhel Freeman -4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Kenny Irons - 4 star (Lou would not put this guy on the field--Great for Auburn!)
Jabari Levy - 4 star
Corey Peoples - 4 star (MEH)
Moe Thompson - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Troy Williamson - 4 star

2003:

Demetris Summers - 5 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Marcus Lawrence - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Blake Mitchell - 4 star
Syvelle Newton - 4 star

2004:

Marque Hall - 4 star (Loved this guy)
C.J. Barber - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Dorian Capers - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)

2005:

Jonathan Hannah - 4 star (BOO!)
O.J. Murdock - 4 star (Poor OJ--RIP)
Carlos Thomas - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)

2006:

Garrett Anderson - 4 star
Kenrick Ellis - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Hutch Eckerson - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Chris Smelley - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Kevin Young - 4 star (BIG DISAPPOINTMENT)

2007:

Chris Culliver - 5 star (Never lived up to 5-star billing)
Cliff Matthews - 4 star
Mark Barnes - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Stephen Garcia - 4 star (Had some world class moments)
Dion Lecorn - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Quintin Richardson - 4 star (Utter Failure)
Travian Robertson - 4 star
Ladi Ajiboye - 4 star
Jason Barnes - 4 star (MASSIVE DISAPPOINTMENT)
Clifton Geathers - 4 star
Joseph Hills - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Melvin Ingram - 4 star
Brian Maddox - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Weslye Saunders - 4 star

2008:

Eric Baker - 4 star (BIG DISAPPOINTMENT)
CC Whitlock - 4 star (MEH)
Antonio Allen -4 star
Jarriel King - 4 star (MEH)
Akeem Auguste - 4 star (MEH)

2009:

Stephon Gilmore - 4 star
Damario Jeffrey - 4 star
Jarvis Giles - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Alshon Jeffery - 4 star
Leon Mackey - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Tony Straughter - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Chaz Sutton - 4 star
Ben Axon - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Ronald Byrd - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Duane Chisolm - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Matt Coffee - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Josh Dickerson - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Devonte Holloman - 4 star
Lamar Scruggs - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)

2010:

Marcus Lattimore - 5 star (SUPERSTAR)
Victor Hampton - 4 star (MEH)
A.J. Cann - 4 star
Qua Gilchrist - 4 star
Ace Sanders -4 star (AWESOME!)

2011:

Jadeveon Clowney - 5 star (KRAKEN-ESQUE)
Kelcy Quarles - 4 star (SO FAR, SO GOOD)
Brandon Shell - 4 star (WE'LL SEE)
Damiere Byrd - 4 star (WE'LL SEE)
Philip Dukes - 4 star (WE'LL SEE)
Sheldon Royster - 4 star (DISAPPOINTMENT)
Brison Williams - 4 star (WE'LL SEE--INJURY)

2012:

Mike Davis - 4 star (TOO EARLY)
Shaq Roland - 4 star (TOO EARLY)
Jerell Adams - 4 star (TOO EARLY)
Jordan Diggs - 4 star (TOO EARLY)
Chaz Elder - 4 star (TOO EARLY)
Jody Fuller - 4 star (TOO EARLY)
Joe Harris -4 star (TOO EARLY)
Brock Stadnik - 4 star (TOO EARLY)

[LegalCock]

LOL. You are harsh.

[Acockolypse Now]

I'll play... and no, I didn't read the other replies yet, so sorry if I'm repeating what others might have said:

2002:

Ricardo Hurley - 5 star No. Injuries kept him from reaching his potential.
Randy Jackson - 5 star No.
Darel Slay - 5 star Good player? Yes. All SEC? No.
Aryhel Freeman -4 star Yes, good player
Kenny Irons - 4 star No. For whatever reason had an attitude problem here, Auburn reaped the benefits.
Jabari Levy - 4 star Yes. Started on the line for us. Was he All SEC? No. Did he start? Yes.
Corey Peoples - 4 star No.
Moe Thompson - 4 star On the field, yes for a season. Off the field...NO
Troy Williamson - 4 star Yes

2003:

Demetris Summers - 5 star No. Million dollar legs, .05 mind
Marcus Lawrence - 4 star No.
Blake Mitchell - 4 star Yes. Started at QB, won quite a few games.
Syvelle Newton - 4 star Yes. Should have been a 5 star. Did everything that was asked of him, true team player. Would have made millions in the NFL had we used him as a WR earlier.

2004:

Marque Hall - 4 star No.
C.J. Barber - 4 star No.
Dorian Capers - 4 star No.

2005:

Jonathan Hannah - 4 star No. There's a reason we were able to steal him from VT.
O.J. Murdock - 4 star No.
Carlos Thomas - 4 star No.

2006:

Garrett Anderson - 4 star Yes. Injuries plagued him, but he started.
Kenrick Ellis - 4 star No. Another head case.
Hutch Eckerson - 4 star Yes. Solid linemen
Chris Smelley - 4 star No. Started, but never with confidence.
Kevin Young - 4 star Yes.

2007:

Chris Culliver - 5 star Yes. Cully had a great career here.
Cliff Matthews - 4 star Yes, should have been a 5 star.
Mark Barnes - 4 star No. Elusive as a ghost.
Stephen Garcia - 4 star Yes. Warrior-poet.
Dion Lecorn - 4 star Yes. Hear me out, moved around, did what was asked, hobbled by injury.
Quintin Richardson - 4 star No. Should have been All SEC.
Travian Robertson - 4 star Yes.
Ladi Ajiboye - 4 star Yes.
Jason Barnes - 4 star No
Clifton Geathers - 4 star Yes
Joseph Hills - 4 star No
Melvin Ingram -4 star Yes, should have been six stars
Brian Maddox - 4 star Yes
Weslye Saunders - 4 star Sorta. Huge talent, questionable character.

2008:

Eric Baker - 4 star No. Poor guy, injuries kept him from showing what he could do
CC Whitlock - 4 star Yes.
Antonio Allen -4 star Yes
Jarriel King - 4 star Yes
Akeem Auguste - 4 star Yes

2009:

Stephon Gilmore - 4 star Yes
Damario Jeffrey - 4 star Yes
Jarvis Giles - 4 star No
Alshon Jeffery - 4 star Yes
Leon Mackey - 4 star No
Tony Straughter - 4 star No
Chaz Sutton - 4 star Yes
Ben Axon - 4 star No
Ronald Byrd - 4 star No
Duane Chisolm - 4 star No...although I'm tempted to say yes.
Matt Coffee - 4 star No
Josh Dickerson - 4 star Yes
Devonte Holloman - 4 star Yes
Lamar Scruggs - 4 star No

2010:

Marcus Lattimore - 5 star Who?
Victor Hampton - 4 star Yes
A.J. Cann - 4 star Yes
Qua Gilchrist - 4 star Yes
Ace Sanders -4 star Yes

2011:

Jadeveon Clowney - 5 star Yep
Kelcy Quarles - 4 star Yep
Brandon Shell - 4 star Yes...the light seems to have come on
Damiere Byrd - 4 star Yes
Philip Dukes - 4 star No (although there is time)
Sheldon Royster - 4 star No
Brison Williams - 4 star Yes

2012:TOO EARLY TO TELL

Mike Davis - 4 star
Shaq Roland - 4 star
Jerell Adams - 4 star
Jordan Diggs - 4 star
Chaz Elder - 4 star
Jody Fuller - 4 star
Joe Harris -4 star
Brock Stadnik - 4 star

Of the ones I ranked, I think I got it to 37 - 29 in favor of yes. That's a 56% success rate in recruiting.

So...

[MikeTrainNC8]

VERY harsh... hampton has been a Godsend this year

[Emery]

So who was the biggest disappointment (if this is kosher)? My feeling is Mark Barnes

[SpurProsecutor]

Originally Posted by Emery

So who was the biggest disappointment (if this is kosher)? My feeling is Mark Barnes

Demetris Summers would be at the top of disappointment hill for me.

[Evilchicken2]

Originally Posted by MikeTrainNC8

VERY harsh... hampton has been a Godsend this year

Mike, did you see Vic last weekend? The dude was missing tackles left and right! He was out of position, wasn't wrapping up, and was getting bounced like a ping pong ball. The dude can cover, but his fundamentals are a steaming pile of ____!

[Evilchicken2]

Originally Posted by SpurProsecutor

Demetris Summers would be at the top of disappointment hill for me.

Absolutely! The guy showed TREMENDOUS potential but just couldn't let himself be humbled, or get his lips off the roach.